Steadicam and Glidecam creative usage research

When to use a Glidecam or Steadicam

So far I have mainly done research into the usage techniques of Steadicams and glidecams, but I want to also do some research into the creative motivations for their use.

Here is a video of some Steadicam shots edited together:

https://vimeo.com/60974401

The fancy pants long takes

One of the most famous steadicam shots was the shot in Goodfellas when they walk from the street of a theatre, through some corridors, the kitchen and then to their seats.

Steadicam practical usage research

Steadicam

Steadicams are a type of camera support that is used to give the camera operator the freedom to move around as they would with a hand held camera, but without any of the jerkiness that usually happens when shooting handheld.

Using a Steadicam

Camera height

According to Evan Luzi there are two basic ways to mount a camera onto a steadicam, based on what height you want the camera to be at. These are:

1. “High mode: The camera sits on top of the sled, typically at a height between the operator’s torso and face. This is the most common way Steadicam’s are used.”
2. “Low mode: The camera sits below the sled at a height between the operator’s knees and the ground. Often used for close-to-the-ground shots (e.g. tracking someone’s shoes as they walk).”

Positions

Luzi also explains that there are two positions in which the steadicam can be attached to the operator. One in which it is attached with the lens facing forward away from the camera operator, this position is called missionary, and one in which the camera is facing backwards like an eye in the back of the operator’s head, this positions is called Don Juan. I can imagine that these terms can be a big source of humour for film crews.